Housing

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Hello!

My husband is currently going through treatment for bowel cancer. We got some distressing news that after a recent CT scan it was shown that his cancer had progressed (spread) and is now showing in his pelvis and slightly on his lung (but didn't sound too concerned about that). They are hoping to start him on a different treatment plan in a few weeks' time and have stopped his chemotherapy for the time being. What I would like to know is, and I may be jumping the gun a bit here but getting the ball rolling in any case. We live in an upper flat (main door and stairs leading up) and just recently he has been finding it hard to get up and downstairs. This has now prompted us both to consider moving to a low down house or flat maybe within an assisted or sheltered complex in the event if his cancer can't be cured and we don't think it will be, but possibly managed and in the event his mobility becomes worse, and he can't get up and down stairs.  The thing is we own our flat and if it means moving into rented accommodation, does this mean that we would not get help with rent etc as they would know we had funds from our house sale. I know I may be stating the obvious but would there be help of any sort. Because my husband is retired, we now qualify for help with council tax because I am not working and receive benefits also due to ill health. I don't know any other way around that and just wondering if any help there would be available. Thanks.

Vicky Mason.

  • Hi

    Thanks for getting in touch. I’m sorry to hear that your Husbands cancer has progressed, and I hope that you are both doing OK.

    As part of our Money and Work Team, we have a dedicated group of Welfare Rights Advisers who can check if you are entitled to any other state benefits and can help to access other financial support, such as one-off grants. They can also give advice about how any Capital or Investments might affect any means tested benefits.

    They’re not available on Ask An Expert but they can be contacted on freephone 0808 808 0000 and they’re available weekdays 8am – 8pm and weekends 9am – 5pm. If you’d prefer you can also contact them via webchat here by selecting “Chat to us” and then the “Welfare Benefits & Grants” option.

    They will ask you for some financial details such as your household income, amount of any savings, cost of rent/mortgage, council tax and utilities just to see if any other help is available.

    Just to clarify, the Financial Guidance Service can provide information and guidance on all aspects of your personal finances to help you make informed decisions in the following areas;

    Pensions and retirement options
    Questions about insurance policies
    Mortgages and money management
    Arranging wills and trusts to protect your family
    General financial planning questions

    If there is anything from the above list that you would like to discuss, please reply to this message, or speak to us directly on the same number. To reach the Financial Guidance team just select options 1 then 2 then 1 again. Our team are available Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm.

    Kind regards.

    Lisa Frost
    Financial Guide
    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

  • Thank you Lisa!

    We currently have help with our council tax as James my husband is retired, and I get carers allowance for him and he gets attendance allowance. As we own our own home and in the event of having to move to a ground floor property re James's mobility issues, I would just like to know how we would stand with regards to paying rent etc if we would have to do this. Will the money team be able to help us with that? Thanks again.

    Vicky

  • Hi

    You're very welcome and thanks for your reply. 

    The Welfare Rights Advisers will be able to discuss how owning a property or having any Capital might affect any means tested benefits such as support with paying the rent.

    They’re not available on Ask An Expert but they can be contacted on freephone 0808 808 0000 and they’re available weekdays 8am – 8pm and weekends 9am – 5pm. If you’d prefer you can also contact them via webchat here by selecting “Chat to us” and then the “Welfare Benefits & Grants” option.

    Kind regards.

     

    Lisa Frost

    Financial Guide

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.